We are an active family of 6(with 4 teens) and have travelled fairly extensively(South Africa,Europe,US,Canada,Australia) and are interested in a real CR experience:local people,animals/wildlife,food,hike,snorkel,
scuba,horseback. Spending time on the road is NOT our idea of fun.(ever try to travel with 4 teens?)We're thinking of perhaps a 2 day Pacuare river-rafting, then fly to Osa area for remainder. Looks like Drake Bay offers a rustic yet comfortable experience. Any other suggestions? Also..what should we expect for typical Christmas weather in Osa??(temp. and rain?) Anyone been to Corcovado Adventure Tent Camp, Las Caletas Lodge or Costa Rica Expeditions? Which one do you get your $$ worth?

Can't help much with your questions, but for travel with 4 teens, let me just say--you have a very nice and smart plan!

Thanks shillmac.Hey has anyone heard about Corcovado Lodge Tent Camp or Cocolito Lodge? We are also stumped whether to go to DB or Carate.(by the way, we would like rustic..rather hear the howler monkeys/macaw rather than the howling of humans.)

ive stayed at Corcovado Tent Camp liked it.
December could still be wet!
Drake Bay is very isolated, Jiminez is a better base for Corcovado Park.

Cabinas Las Caletas is rustic. We liked our private cabin up the hill. Good food and pleasant folk. The beach is swimable. Use of kayaks is included.
I missed the sunsets over the water there as it is in a bay and there were no cushions on any of the furniture.David can bring you out in his boat for some great fishing at a very reasonable price.

Mirador Lodge gets good reviews and is a rustic/budget place in Drake Bay.

We enjoyed ourselves out at Corcovado Tent Camp in Carate. It is awfully far out from Puerto Jimenez to really do any tours. Other than birding, horseback riding or hiking in Corcovado Park there isn't much to do. From what I understand the water is too rough for surfing there. There are some rips. I spent a lot of time body surfing but never went out very far.

The Drake Bay area does offer more to do than Carate unless you are comfortable with a lot of hammock time. With 4 teens that might be important. I have read some good reviews on the Adventure Tent Camp. Mel Gibson was just at the Marenco beach and rainforest lodge.

Puerto Jimenez might be another option. Lots of tours available and right on the beach. Iguana Lodge/Pearl of the Osa has sea kayaks you can use as well as boogie boards. There is also a great kayak company just down the street. A beautiful beach with several miles you can walk on. You can go deep sea fishing, swimming with dolphins and much more. You won't have the scuba.